FAQS

We have lots of information on our Why Book The Zoots page, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for, here are some FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a band?
Our fee will depend on a variety of things, timings, location, number of guests. Get in touch with us, letting us know as much as you can about the day, we’ll factor all of this in and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

How far do you travel?All over! There’s rarely a place we haven’t visited. We do a lot of work overseas too, in the last three years we travelled to over 30 different countries. Get in touch and let us know where you are thinking of having your event or party! We are experienced in logistics. If it’s over 4 hours away (from Marlborough, Wiltshire) we would need to factor in some accommodation costs, but send us an email or give us a call and we can talk.

Can we come and see you perform live before we book you?
Most of our performances are private events such as weddings or parties, or performances overseas, but we do sometimes perform pubic events in the UK. Just ask, if we have something suitable coming up, we can let you know! If not, we have lots of video footage on our profile page, make sure you have a read of our testimonials too. We often get booked 12-24 months in advance so would suggest booking early to avoid disappointment! We would love to meet you before the big day if this is possible.

How long can you perform for?
We recommend performing for 2 x 1 hour sets. Experience has found that 2 x 1 hour performances work much better to keep your guests dancing throughout the night, keeping the music fresh, whilst allowing your guests some time to rest those dancing feet, helping the evening to run a lot smoother. We’d suggest scheduling any other activities i.e photo booth/fireworks/buffet for the break in between the two sets. We can of course perform to any schedule, but would recommend 2 x 60 minute performances. We’ll play a pre-mixed playlist in between our sets until finish. You can create you’re own if you’d like and we’ll play this through our PA.

I would like to book you for my wedding, can you learn our 1st Dance?Just ask! If we can, we will. This will all depend on the instrumentation and how much notice we have (we’d need about 6 weeks notice to rehearse). We’ll try the track in rehearsal and let you know how it’s sounding. If it’s not possible, we’re happy to play you’re first dance through our PA via an iPod. If you’re not sure what to have for your first dance, have a look at our repertoire for some inspiration!

Can we choose some songs from your repertoire?
Yes! We welcome your choices, its always great to know a little bit more about what songs you do don’t like! We suggest selecting a few of your faves from our repertoire and we’ll try and integrate as many of your choices into our set as we possibly can. We do have some specific medleys, mash ups and song orders which we’ve tried and tested over the years, so please don’t be sad if every selection isn’t included!

Can you learn songs that aren’t in your repertoire?
We are always learning new tracks, so please send us your requests, if it’s do-able we’ll let you know. Our repertoire is crammed full of some awesome hits so make sure you have a look!

What will you wear at our event?
We’re always smart and try our best to look devillishy handsome. If you’ve booked us to perform our 1960s show we’ll wear our full 60s outfits, the boots, the dress and the 3 piece suits! Check out our photos, Facebook and Twitter page for some photos of us in action.

What time do you arrive & finish?
Our quotes are usually based on a 5pm arrival for set up and soundcheck and a midnight finish. We’d need about 60-75 minutes to set up and soundcheck, during which time, we will have to make some noise! If timings are likely to differ greatly from these, please could you let us know as we’d need to factor this into our quote.

How do I book you?
Drop us (Jamie & Harriet) an email and we’ll take it from there. We’re nice, friendly people who are only too happy to answer any questions you have. We fully appreciate that this can be your first time booking a band so we’ll always try make it a lovely and reassuring experience! We’ll need a few details about the day, where you are having your event, your contact details, that kind of thing, and we’ll send out a contract and invoice for the deposit. The remaining balance is due up to 14 days before the evening, payable via BACS.

What do you need from us on the day?
It would be really smashing if we could get a bite to eat and a cup of tea when we arrive, ideally at least 1 hour before we perform. We’re honestly not divas (well, maybe Jamie), a few sandwiches or a hot meal for each band member would be brilliant. We’ve often travelled a long way in the van, and it’s not always possible to go off site to get something to eat. Food & drink is by no means a deal breaker, if its not possible, please do let us know as we’d only be too happy to bring something with us.

We do always get changed into our outfits after we’ve set up so it would be terrific if there is a heated room with electricity we could utilise for the evening to get changed and store our clothes and personal items. Prefably with a door and chairs. This really does make a huge difference to our evening, having a comfortable place to rest and warm up our vocal chords especially if we’ve arrived earlier to set up.

Power & stage wise, we’d need access to at least 4 x 13amp sockets, and a stage area of around 3m x 10m (if this isn’t do-able that totally fine we’re pretty flexible and can squeeze into most spaces!). We draw about 9kw of power.

We’ll also require parking for one car and our long wheel based van which is 7 metres long. The band van.

Are You Insured and PAT Tested?
Yes! All The Zoots Jamie, Harriet, Ben, Tommy & Simon have £10 million Public Liability Insurance, with Equity & Musician’s Union and all our equipment is tested for electrical safety every year with Pats PAT testing.. We’d be happy to send copies of these documents to your venue. We do advise that drinks are not bought to the dance floor. If drinks are spilt on electrical equipment, it make break and may also trip the fuse and cut the power We also need to make sure it all works for the next event so we may have charge for any breakages caused by your guests.

Upkeep of equipment
Thousands of pounds have been invested in our equipment using the best we can. In 2016 we invested in a new digital Allen and Heath QU24 mixing desk. It works really well alongside our new Shure wireless in ear monitoring system. In 2015 we purchased a very tidy 6 wheeled, 6 seater, Mercedes Sprinter which was made in 2009 and has around 90,000 on the clock. Our HK audio Linear 5 speaker system was bought between 2016 and 2015. We use top of the range Konig and Meyer stands, Planet Waves cables and Fender guitars to ensure every event goes to plan. Our Line 6 wireless guitar systems are often renewed to keep us mobile and get us closer to the audience.

Can’t find the answer your looking for? Get in touch.
If you want some more information and advice about booking a band, we’ve written an article all about it here